Texas town evacuated as firefighters battle state’s biggest ever wildfire

Planes drop fire retardant on blazes that have destroyed up to 500 homes and businesses but weather change may offer some respite

Firefighters in Texas are battling strong winds and warm temperatures as they work to stop the largest wildfire in state history.

The large Smokehouse Creek fire was 15% contained and two other fires were 60% contained. Authorities have not said what ignited the fires, but strong winds, dry grass and unseasonably warm temperatures fed the blazes.

The Associated Press contributed to this story